Subaru dashboard warning lights
28 lights that the Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness handbook (2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A) shows, each in our own drawing, with Subaru's name for it next to ours, the colour the handbook gives it and what the handbook says to do. Tap a light for its full page.
Check your own handbook — models differ. This page is one handbook for one model. Another Subaru model or year can have lamps this one lacks, or draw the same lamp differently; only your car's own handbook is sure.
Read this first
Every light below is confirmed by one Subaru owner's manual, the US edition for the Legacy and Outback, downloaded from Subaru's technical information site. Subaru's own names differ from most makes: stability control is Vehicle Dynamics Control, the stop-start system is Auto Start Stop, and the all-wheel-drive fault lamp flashes rather than just lighting, and the handbook's first check when it does is whether all four tyres are the same diameter — a temporary spare can set it off. Its EyeSight driver-assist lamps are in a separate EyeSight supplement and are not listed here. Several lamps say to stop at the first safe opportunity: oil pressure, charge, brake system and the AT OIL TEMP lamp (stop and let the engine idle until it goes out). This is a US handbook; the low tyre pressure lamp is marked as fitted to US-spec models.
The 28 lights in the Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness handbook
Seat belt warning light
Subaru calls it “Seatbelt warning light / Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light”.
Reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their belts, with a chime; it turns off only when the belt is fastened.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Airbag warning light
Subaru calls it “SRS airbag system warning light”.
If it behaves abnormally (for example stays on or does not light at switch-on), immediately stop in a safe place and consult a Subaru dealer.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber or red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Passenger airbag off light
Subaru calls it “Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator light”.
Listed with a matching ON indicator light: together they show whether the front passenger’s frontal airbag is off or on.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Check engine light (engine malfunction)
Subaru calls it “CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light”.
Steady: an emission control fault — or a loose fuel cap; retighten it until it clicks. Blinking: an engine misfire — reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration and steep hills, and have it checked.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Battery / charging warning light
Subaru calls it “Charge warning light”.
On with the engine running: the charging system may not be working — stop at the first safe opportunity and check the alternator belt, then contact a dealer.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Oil pressure warning light (oil can)
Subaru calls it “Oil pressure warning light”.
Engine oil pressure may be low — stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and contact a Subaru dealer. Do not run the engine with it on.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Low engine oil level light
Subaru calls it “Engine low oil level warning light”.
The oil level has dropped to the lower limit — check it on level ground and top up.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Gearbox (transmission) warning light
Subaru calls it “AT OIL TEMP warning light”.
On: transmission fluid is too hot — stop in a safe place and let the engine idle until it goes out. Flashing after start: the transmission control system may be faulty — contact a dealer immediately.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Low tyre pressure light (TPMS)
Subaru calls it “Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models)”.
Lights for about 2 seconds at switch-on as a check; listed for US-spec models as the tyre pressure warning.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
ABS warning light (anti-lock brakes)
Subaru calls it “ABS warning light”.
On while driving, or not going off after start: the ABS shuts down but conventional brakes still work — have it repaired at the first opportunity.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Brake system warning light
Subaru calls it “Brake system warning light”.
With the parking brake released: brake fluid near MIN, a leak, worn pads or an EBD fault — stop at the nearest safe place. It also lights for electronic brake booster or parking brake faults.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Parking brake light
Subaru calls it “Electronic parking brake indicator light”.
On while the parking brake is applied, off once fully released. Flashing: the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Auto Hold light
Subaru calls it “Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light”.
On when Auto Vehicle Hold is activated; blinks while the car is being held stopped by it.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: green or yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Low fuel light
Subaru calls it “Low fuel warning light”.
About 10.0 L (2.6 US gal, 2.2 Imp gal) left — refuel promptly; running the tank empty can cause misfires that damage the engine.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Door open light
Subaru calls it “Door open indicator”.
A door, the rear gate or the trunk lid is not fully closed; the display shows which one.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Low washer fluid light
Subaru calls it “Windshield washer fluid warning light”.
The washer fluid has dropped to about 0.6 L (0.6 US qt, 0.5 Imp qt).
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
4WD / AWD warning light
Subaru calls it “All-Wheel Drive warning light”.
Flashing: stop in a safe place and check that all four tyres are the same diameter and none has lost pressure. A temporary spare can make it flash. Driving on with it flashing can damage the powertrain.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Power steering warning light (EPS)
Subaru calls it “Power steering warning light”.
A fault in the electric power steering; steering may feel heavier — drive carefully to a Subaru dealer and have it inspected immediately.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: red or yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Stability control light (ESC)
Subaru calls it “Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light”.
Flashes while skid suppression or traction control is working. Staying on: the Vehicle Dynamics Control or ABS electronic control has a fault.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Stability control off light (ESC OFF)
Subaru calls it “Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light”.
On when you switch Vehicle Dynamics Control off. If it does not light during the start-up check, have the system checked.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Immobiliser (security) light
Subaru calls it “Security indicator light”.
Shows the status of the alarm system and the operation of the immobilizer.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber or red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Auto stop-start light
Subaru calls it “Auto Start Stop warning light (yellow)”.
Yellow: a possible fault in Auto Start Stop — if it is still on after a restart, have it inspected. It also lights if the bonnet is opened while the engine is stopped.
Colour in this handbook: Yellow / amber
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Hill descent control light
Subaru calls it “Hill descent control indicator”.
Shown while hill descent control is on standby; flashes while it is working (Outback models).
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: green or yellow / amber or red)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Blind spot monitor light
Subaru calls it “BSD/RCTA warning indicator”.
Blind Spot Detection or Rear Cross Traffic Alert is malfunctioning — if it stays on, have the car inspected.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Frost / icy road warning (snowflake)
Subaru calls it “Icy road surface warning indicator”.
Lights at about 3 °C (37 °F) or colder to warn that the road may be frozen.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: yellow / amber)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Turn signal indicator
Subaru calls it “Turn signal indicator lights”.
A turn signal or lane change signal is on. Not blinking, or blinking fast: a bulb may be burned out.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: green)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
High beam (main beam) indicator
Subaru calls it “High beam indicator light”.
The headlights are on high beam, or the flasher is being used.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: blue or green)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Front fog light indicator
Subaru calls it “Front fog light indicator light”.
The front fog lights are on.
Colour in this handbook: not named in the handbook's text (our page: green)
Confirmed by: Subaru handbook — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Check your own handbook — models differ.
Not in this handbook
35 lights on this site are not shown by this handbook, so they are left off this page — among them brake pad wear warning light, engine coolant temperature warning light, side airbag warning light, hazard warning light, low tyre pressure light showing which tyre, tpms light. That does not mean no Subaru has them — only that this handbook does not. If your car shows one, find it by colour and shape.
Other makes
Source: the handbook
- Subaru: Subaru Legacy and Outback Owner's Manual, part no. MSA5M2403A (US, PDF) — Subaru Legacy / Outback / Outback Wilderness, 2024 model-year edition, part no. MSA5M2403A. Section: Illustrated index — Warning and Indicator Lights (pages 24–25); 3-6 Warning and Indicator Lights (pages 183–207). Checked 2026-09-28.
A light is listed only when this handbook shows it. The names in quotes are Subaru's wording; the rest is ours, written from the handbook.